Walker Softens Tone Toward Illinois Following Its Election Of Republican Governor

The election of a Republican governor in Illinois has somewhat softened Gov. Scott Walker’s rhetoric toward the neighboring state, though he still insists the two states have differences.

Walker often criticized Illinois while Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn was in charge there, with the hope of convincing Illinois firms to move north of the stateline.

For example, three years ago he was quoted as saying: “We’re headed in a positive direction for employers. Illinois’s headed in a negative direction.”

Last week, Illinois dumped Quinn for wealthy Republican businessman Bruce Rauner. Walker won’t pledge to take a hands-off approach to Illinois, noting that both houses of the Illinois Legislature remain controlled by Democrats.

“I know Bruce,” said Walker. “I think Bruce is a good guy. I think he’s going to be a good leader. But he’s still got to get the Legislature to move to enact some of those reforms with pensions, with taxes. They’ve got a huge tax increase that’s been a major deterrent for them, and I think particularly in Chicago they’ve got huge problems with their schools.”

Walker said he’s still hoping to convince Illinois-based businesses to expand into Wisconsin, but he said most job growth in Wisconsin has and will come from within the Badger State.